LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJI Fire District, January 14, 2025

Chief Monin reported the financial situation is good. The interlocal agreement with the Sheriff’s Office for dispatch services was extended for five more years with a slight increase in costs based on call volume and cost of living.

Michael Hartzell was promoted to Battalion Field Chief effective January 20. Chief Monin is looking at land with a future training center in mind. The district had to decline Los Angeles’s request for a crew and engine to fight their fires due to staff shortages.

The Washington State Base Rating, which informs homeowners insurance rates, remains at 6.

The district received a new bid for fixing the storm damage to Station 35’s roof and other improvements that will go to the insurance adjuster.

Brendon Cowen from the County Department of Emergency Services published a letter touching on the fires in Los Angeles and the county’s wildfire risk.

The District is lending use of a classroom at Station 33 to the Hannah Heights Water Association for a six-month trial of a process to eliminate PFAs from their water systems.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.